Step-Aerobics Instructor Training

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JOSHUA BAILEY Last Updated: Sep 17, 2011

Joshua Bailey

Joshua Bailey has been writing articles since 2006 with work appearing at Bodybuilding.com and 2athletes.com. Bailey holds the following certifications: NASM-CPT, NASM-PES, NASM-CES and NSCA-CSCS. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in exercise and sports science from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and a Master of Science in exercise physiology from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.

Using an elevated step with aerobics can lead to a more challenging aerobic workout.Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Step aerobics is typically a group-based fitness program that uses steps to increase the intensity of traditional aerobics programs. Learning how to teach step aerobics can be a daunting process because you are responsible for the effort and energy level of the entire step aerobics class. You can take a wide variety of steps to become an effective step aerobics instructor; however, with meticulous training you can effectively motivate and teach an entire class of step aerobics enthusiasts.

Early Training

Enroll in a group exercise teacher training course. These courses teach the basics of group exercise training such as teaching and performing exercise, how to keep the class motivated and how to use eye contact to engage members of the class. After you finish the basic group exercise training course, enroll in a specialized step aerobics instructor training class to refine your group exercise instructor skills so that you can successfully lead a step aerobics session. These classes will teach you basic and advanced step aerobics moves, and how to teach these moves to students in your step aerobics class.

Self Practice

Practice the step aerobics moves you have learned from the specialized course so that you can successfully demonstrate the moves to the class and help them perform those moves. You should practice at least 30 minutes a day for a couple weeks so that you can perform the movements from memory.

Group Practice

After you have perfected step aerobics movements, teach a one-on-one session to a friend or family member to help build your confidence in teaching step aerobics. Make sure that you perform some of the maneuvers with the person you are teaching, and try to try to motivate them as much as possible throughout the session. Remember to correct the form of the movements performed by that person if they are not performing the moves correctly. You should then add more friends or family members and conduct larger lessons to improve your ability to monitor and instruct several people at once. You can then start training actual step aerobics sessions when you feel confident in your ability to monitor and motivate a group of exercisers.

Continuing Education

Enroll in a continuing education class to learn the latest trends in step aerobics. These classes will help you learn more maneuvers to teach your classes so that they don't become repetitive or boring. You may also need to enroll in the continuing education courses so that you can renew any step aerobics certifications you have completed on your journey to becoming a step aerobics instructor.